Acura ILX concept

The luxury compact sedan is set to launch later this year, representing a move by Acura into the compact premium class for the first time in order to attract younger buyers into Honda's upmarket range. The car features a slimmer version of the Acura shield grille and lamps that are cut into by the bumper surface. In profile, the ILX's silhouette, DLO, and rear door shut line are reminiscent of the Lexus IS, but Acura's rising feature line, which forms a visual muscle over the rear wheel (despite front-wheel drive architecture) adds a level of distinction.

Lexus IS Design contest winner to be built for SEMA 2013

Somewhere in the shortlist of 25 semi-finalists from the Lexus IS Design contest lurks the design that will be built by tuner VIP Auto Salon and take pride of place on Lexus' stand at SEMA later this year. Hosted by online art community deviantART, the competition asked entrants to customize a Lexus IS saloon using any method they liked. The winner will also be given a one-year lease of the IS and other prizes.

Alfa Romeo SUV to relaunch Alfa in U.S. in 2013

Alfa Romeo SUV will lead the return to the US market for Alfa It’s now two years since Alfa Romeo revealed its plans to return to the U.S. market – after an absence of 20 years – on the back of Fiat’s effective takeover of Chrysler. But all is not going swimmingly.